Mortar Additive

Description

Mortar Additive is a water‑repellent admixture for cement/sand mortars. It makes mortar water‑resistant, reduces efflorescence, and enhances adhesion to water‑repellent blocks (such as Tech‑Dry Blocks). The admixture also improves the workability of the mortar mix, ensuring consistent performance during application.

Recommended Uses

Use Mortar Additive as a water‑repellent admixture in cement/sand mortars specifically designed for laying water‑repellent concrete blocks manufactured with Tech‑Dry Block Emulsion. Apply it as a water‑resistant admixture in other cement/sand mixtures, including renders and concrete masonry, to improve durability and performance.

Key Features

• Non-toxic water-based formulation.
• Improves workability of cement/sand mortars.
• Increased adhesion of cement/sand mortar.
• Reduces water penetration, efflorescence and water-borne staining.
• Does not significantly change vapour permeability of cement/sand mortars.
• Easy to use and cost effective.

As cement/sand mortars vary significantly, a test must be carried out prior to application to find out the suitability of this product for the purpose.

Use Instructions

Application

Please read the product information for the correct application and safe handling before use. For laying water-repellent blocks (or Tech-Dry Blocks), we recommend to use 1.0 litre of Mortar Additive per 40kg of cement at a cement/sand ratio of 1 to 4. The maximum cement/sand ratio should not exceed 1 part cement to 5 parts sand.

Alternatively, mix 300ml of Mortar Additive with 2 shovels (or approximate 12 kg) of cement and 10 shovels (or approximate 60 kg) of sand. Blend the mortar mix with enough water to create the desired consistency.

Lime and other admixtures are not recommended. If used, perform a small‑scale trial before application to confirm the outcome of the mortar mix.

Consumption Rate

The consumption of Mortar Additive varies significantly. 20 litres of the mortar additive may lay approximately 1000-2000 Tech-Dry Blocks but could be out of this range significantly. For details, please contact Tech-Dry on 03-9699 8202 (all-hours).

Pilot Testing and Quality Control

Please note that Mortar Additive may cause some property change of the mortar. The mortar additive improves workability of the mortar but this may cause the mortar to become too runny to work with. It may slow the curing of the mortar, particularly in cold conditions when ambient temperature is low. Resolve these issues by adjusting the dosage or adding a compatible admixture such as a cement accelerator, while ensuring the mortar retains water resistance, adhesion, and workability.

Maintain the correct cement‑to‑sand ratio to preserve mortar strength. In hot weather, add sufficient water to the mix to achieve proper consistency.

Because masonry materials vary, conduct a small‑scale pilot test on site before application to confirm product suitability under different conditions.

For other uses, please contact Tech-Dry on 03-9699 8202 (all hours) for more information.

Typical Data

• Appearance: Pale yellow clear liquid
• Solids content:          <50% by weight
• Specific Gravity:         1.0 g/ml at 20 ^oC
• pH value:                   8-9
• Solubility in water: Soluble in water
• VOC content: Nil
• Flash point:                Not allocated

Important Note

Mortar Additive functions as a water‑repellent admixture by depositing hydrophobic materials into the mortar matrix without significantly blocking capillaries or affecting vapour permeability. It reduces water absorption through capillary action but provides only limited resistance to water penetration under prolonged contact or hydrostatic pressure. In highly permeable mortars or extreme wind‑driven rain, protection against water penetration or water‑borne staining may be inadequate.

At temperatures below 10 °C, Mortar Additive may precipitate solids, but it re‑liquefies at higher temperatures over time. Store the product above 10 °C to prevent precipitation, and ensure it is in liquid form before adding it to mortar mixes.

Handling & Storage

Mortar Additive is classified as non‑hazardous. Follow good industrial hygiene practices when handling. Wear appropriate protection to avoid vapour inhalation and skin or eye contact, and wash hands thoroughly after use. Store the product in closed containers in a cool, dry place, away from fire or ignition sources, at temperatures preferably between 10 °C and 25 °C. Keep the product in its sealed original container to ensure a 12‑month shelf life.

Use with sufficient ventilation!

Keep out of reach of children!

Packaging

Mortar Additive is available in 5, 20 and 200 litre plastic drums.